The best arts & culture spots in Porterville

“Porterville Historical Museum is a compact deep-dive into our own backyard, with exhibits on the citrus industry, Native Americans, vintage commerce, and a Buck Shaffer display, plus occasional model train shows that delight kids and grownups. Drop in this week to rediscover Porterville stories you actually know.”

From the Porterville newsletter, September 22, 2026

“From town murals and public art to vintage rigs at the Lindsay Fire Truck Museum, Lindsay Museum And Gallery pulls together bright snapshots of Lindsay’s past and creative present, the kind of quick wander that makes you remember why you love living here. Put it on your this-week list for a quick mood lift.”

From the Porterville newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Elite Team Porterville offers high-quality Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing for kids and adults in a welcoming, community-minded academy. Expect real technique, a push when you need it, and the kind of friendly accountability that makes you actually look forward to training.”

From the Porterville newsletter, September 20, 2026

“CACHE- Center for Art, Culture, and History Exeter keeps our local stories alive with exhibits and programs celebrating Exeter’s art, culture, and small-town history.”

From the Porterville newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Zalud House keeps Porterville history wonderfully intact with original family furnishings, intricate decor, and a rose garden that begs for a slow wander. If you need a quick time-travel break between errands, this lovingly preserved home is the calm reset your week deserves.”

From the Porterville newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Take a quiet walk through Camp Hamilton and discover thoughtful memorials that share veterans’ stories from our own community. It’s a peaceful reset that actually sticks with you midweek, and there are events plus ways to get involved if you feel called to support the mission.”

From the Bakersfield newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science brings anatomy, astronomy, archaeology, anthropology, biology, geology and paleontology to life with interactive exhibits and just-for-kids STEM that adults secretly love too, all in downtown Bakersfield.”

From the Bakersfield newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Kern County Museum lets you walk through Kern history across more than 56 historic buildings and leafy grounds, from Gold Rush grit to the oil and agriculture that shaped our lives. Wander, poke around, and leave with stories your grandparents swear they remember firsthand, perfect for a low-key afternoon this week.”

From the Bakersfield newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Founded in 1956, Bakersfield Museum of Art keeps the local art scene lively with rotating exhibitions, a serene Sculpture Garden, and hands-on education programs for all ages. Swing by this week to spark ideas, entertain the kids, and remember your brain likes color as much as coffee.”

From the Bakersfield newsletter, August 22, 2026

“The Empty Space keeps Bakersfield’s arts heartbeat quick with new and classic plays on an intimate stage, plus an Art Gallery. Their nonprofit crew is all about Setting Theatre Free, so pick a night this week, catch what’s now playing, then linger to take in the local art.”

From the Bakersfield newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Gaslight Melodrama Theatre serves up family-friendly melodramas and musicals with a local cast you can cheer for, villains you can hiss at, and classic American eats with beer or wine. Perfect for Bakersfield date nights or bringing the kids when everyone needs a laugh.”

From the Bakersfield newsletter, September 3, 2026

“The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater is our restored 1930 showstopper, the kind of ornate room that somehow makes standup sharper and guitars ring sweeter. This week, consider Los Yonic's, Los Caminantes y Grupo Yndio on August 22, or hold out for Rodney Carrington on August 27.”

From the Bakersfield newsletter, August 20, 2026